Human Resources Specialist

JOB OVERVIEW The Human Resources Specialist supports the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources function, with a primary focus on recruiting coordination, onboarding, payroll and benefits administration, HR systems, employee records, and general HR support. This position will work closely with the HR Lead to ensure HR processes are completed accurately, consistently, and on time. The HR Specialist will administer routine HR processes in accordance with established Company policies and procedures and escalate sensitive, complex, or policy-related matters to the HR Lead. This role is well suited for an organized and detail-oriented HR professional who enjoys supporting multiple areas of Human Resources in a fast-paced and growing organization. This is a full-time, non-exempt position, fully on-site based at our Irvine, CA office. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Recruiting & Talent Acquisition Support full-cycle recruiting for assigned positions, including job postings, resume review, initial screening, interview coordination, candidate communication, reference checks, and background screening. Maintain recruiting pipelines, trackers, and timely candidate status updates. Coordinate with hiring managers and external recruiting agencies throughout the hiring process. Prepare offer letters based on approved compensation and employment terms. Support recruiting campaigns, LinkedIn job postings, and other employer-branding initiatives. Onboarding, Offboarding & Employee Changes Coordinate new-hire onboarding, including required documentation, HRIS setup, benefit enrollment, orientation materials, and internal setup requirements. Track completion of onboarding activities and maintain accurate employee records. Support routine offboarding processes and required documentation. Process approved employee changes, including promotions, transfers, compensation changes, and employment-status updates. Payroll & Timekeeping Support semi-monthly payroll information with HR Lead review and approval. Review timekeeping, PTO, bonuses, deductions, and employee changes for accuracy and completeness. Follow up on payroll discrepancies or missing information and respond to routine payroll and timekeeping questions. Maintain payroll-related records and escalate complex payroll or wage-and-hour matters as appropriate. Benefits Administration Support day-to-day benefits administration, including enrollment, qualifying life events, coverage changes, and terminations. Respond to routine employee benefit questions and coordinate with brokers, carriers, and payroll providers as needed. Assist with annual open enrollment, benefit communications, and related recordkeeping. Escalate complex eligibility, coverage, or plan-related matters to the HR Lead. HRIS & Employee Records Maintain accurate employee data, personnel files, and HR documentation. Process approved employee updates and ensure HR systems remain current and accurate. Maintain HR reports, trackers, employee lists, and organizational information. Support periodic audits of employee records and HR processes. Identify opportunities to improve HR administrative processes and workflows. Employee Support Serve as an initial point of contact for routine employee questions related to payroll, PTO and leave procedures, benefits, HR systems, Company policies, and general HR matters. Provide guidance based on established Company policies and procedures. Maintain confidentiality and handle employee information with discretion. Escalate sensitive, complex, or unusual employee matters to the HR Lead. Support employee-related documentation and follow-up as needed. Performance Review Administration Coordinate the administrative execution of Company performance-review cycles. Maintain review schedules, eligibility lists, tracking documents, and completed review records. Distribute review materials, monitor deadlines, and follow up with employees and managers. Support HRIS workflows and reporting related to performance management. Policies, Compliance & Documentation Support the maintenance and administration of HR policies, procedures, forms, templates, and employee communications. Assist with handbook and policy updates, employee acknowledgments, and HR documentation. Support personnel-file and HR-process audits. Escalate potential compliance concerns or unusual situations to the HR Lead. Immigration & Work Authorization Support Maintain work-authorization and immigration-related records, trackers, and documentation. Coordinate document collection and administrative communication among employees, HR, and outside immigration counsel. Employee Engagement & Company Activities Coordinate employee events, celebrations, recognition programs, and engagement activities. Assist with HR-related LinkedIn content, employer branding, and internal employee communications. ROLE EXPECTATIONS The HR Specialist is responsible for coordinating and administering assigned Human Resources processes in accordance with established Company policies, procedures, and direction from the HR Lead. The position is expected to independently organize day-to-day work, maintain accurate records, communicate with employees and candidates, complete assigned HR processes, and identify matters requiring escalation. Sensitive employee relations matters, investigations, disciplinary actions, terminations, compensation decisions, policy development, significant compliance matters, organizational decisions, and HR strategy will remain under the direction of the HR Lead. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Approximately 1–2 years of Human Resources experience. Experience supporting areas such as recruiting, onboarding, payroll, benefits, HRIS, or employee records. Experience working in a fast-paced or growing organization is a plus. Basic understanding of Human Resources practices and employment procedures. California HR experience preferred. Strong organizational and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information appropriately. Ability to follow established procedures while recognizing when an issue should be escalated. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and HR/payroll systems preferred. Korean-English bilingual proficiency preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT Must be able to remain in a stationary position and operate office equipment for a prolonged period of time. Physical activities include, but are not limited to, constant manual dexterity, moving about the work site, and/or handling objects weighing up to 20 lbs. Must be able to work in a schedule that commensurate with business operation. Equal Opportunity Statement HYH America is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.